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On June 24, IMEMO scholars presented papers at the conference "60th Anniversary of French President Charles de Gaulle's Visit to the USSR: Memories and Historical Experience" at the Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences.

Elena M. Tchernoutsan, Senior Researcher at the Department of Science and Innovation, PhD (Economics), highlighted the characteristics of the "Grands Programmes" – the basis of Charles de Gaulle's scientific and technological strategy, many of their features remain relevant today. Charles de Gaulle's presidency marked not only the "golden age" of French economy but also the time of major projects implementing the country's technological independence and national prestige, including such important area of economic mechanism as scientific research and innovation.

Arina A. Preobrazhenskaya, Senior Researcher at the Center for Comparative Socio-Economic and Political Studies, PhD (Politics), devoted her presentation to transformation of political responsibility of the State during the Fifth Republic. The report presents evolution from a "semi-parliamentary" to the clearly presidential form of government. Modification of political responsibility became one of the causes of the current crisis of democratic representation, manifested by a steady increase of absenteeism and decline of people’s trust in political institutions.

Marina V. Klinova, Chief Research Fellow at the Center for European Studies and Doctor of Science (Economics), highlighted the crucial role of Charles de Gaulle in creation of the national space program and transformation of France into a global space power. De Gaulle also supported creation of European structures that became the basis for the European Space Agency (ESA). In line with de Gaulle initiative, France invested in the development of its own space launch vehicles, which further on led to development of the Ariane – European launch vehicle family.